Page 24 of The Billionaire Dating Game

“Is that why you can’t forgive Jasmine, because her betrayal reminds you of the past?”

Alexei thought about her question and realized his pride no longer stung when he thought of his ex. He felt nothing, not even hatred for what she’d done. This moment was his balm against everything. But how could he trust it would last when he’d been disappointed so many times before?

“Jasmine no longer affects me. I sold my shares, and so did the investors who are loyal to me. I’ve let go of my revenge.” Candice squeezed his hand. “She can’t hurt me.” He wanted to never give that power away again. Candice, however, could do more than hurt; she could break him.

She rolled her lower lip between her teeth. “I'm sorry my cookies remind you of your mother.”

“In a good way, malo svitla, in a good way.” Focusing on the woman in his arms, he said, “You are worthy, Candice Harper, of so much more than what a bunch of hormonal teenage boys can give.”

Moisture clouded her eyes.

Satisfied it was a new beginning for the way she saw herself, he said, “Now tell me what your heart desires right now.”

“You…” she whispered, her thumb stroking his hand. “My heart desires…you.”

His chest tightened at her words, sensing her meaning was far deeper than her immediate longing. She made him wish for things he hadn’t thought were possible since he’d fled New York. He once thought he’d tasted love. It was bitter, or it had been before Candice came into his life.

He stripped them naked, placing her hands on the marble bathroom counter. “Don’t move,” he warned, wanting her to see herself in the mirror. See the erotic sight she made as she orgasmed on his dick.

Her breath caught on a gasp as he plunged into her, and she opened for him, ready to take all he had to give.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Candice

“You are gorgeous in Ann Lowe,” Alexei whispered in her ear, referring to the vintage gown that clung to her curves as they entered the banquet hall of yet another upscale party. He lifted two glasses of champagne off a waiter, handing a glass to her.

As if a small weight was lifted off his shoulders since the weekend with his family, he seemed happier and far more unguarded than he’d ever been around her.

“You should see what I’m wearing under it,” she teased.

He grew serious, pulling her flush against his chest. “We should leave.”

Candice swallowed at the dangerously alluring glint in his gaze.

“No one will miss us.” He lowered his head and kissed her. Tongue and everything.Oh gosh! His tongue plundered her mouth as if it were some other part of her anatomy.

This public display was new to her…different than when she wason stagepretending to be in a relationship. Unable to help herself, she touched her quivering lips. “We can’t leave. You paid ten grand a ticket to be here,” she whispered.

“Of course, we can leave, malo svitla.” He kissed her again, and Candice was vaguely aware of the eyes on them. They weren’t in the center of the room, but they weren’t hidden either. Her free arm hugged his waist. “No one here cares about the money. It’s all for the McCreath’s children's baseball charity. Go, Fireflies,” he cheered, “or whatever they call themselves.”

She still wasn’t used to the way he threw around money.

“Say the word and I’ll call my driver back. I can guarantee we’ll have more fun at home.” He nipped her earlobe, making her body tingle in anticipation.

Tempting, but whether he admitted it or not, she’d been to enough events to know the attendees spoke about business as much as they came for the entertainment.

“Popova, I didn’t expect to see you here,” came a man’s voice.

Alexei kissed the back of her hand and turned to face the stunning couple behind him. The gentleman wore a black tuxedo while his companion dazzled in red, her dreadlocks falling over one shoulder in waves.

“Latrica,” Alexei said, leaning forward to kiss the woman’s cheek. “Latrica, this is Candice.”

She shook the woman’s hand before glancing at Latricia’s amused companion.

“I’m Heath McCreath,” the man said, kissing her cheek the way Alexei had done

to the other woman. “Latricia is my wife.”

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